How long are duck eggs good for if left in the coop??

[Csparling]

We cleaned out the duck coop this morning. All together we found almost 2 dozen eggs! I know some are less than a week old and I left them thinking they were being sat on but I don’t think they are. We pulled over a dozen out from under the ramp from the entry way going outside the coop! )Didn’t know they were laying under it since they were hidden in the straw). Anyways I washed them all and put them in the fridge. They all sank in a pan of water and none had any cracks. Are they all safe to eat? We are in Michigan and it’s been in the 30’s and 40’s with a few days of low 50s. I’m assuming they are all ok to eat since we are going to cook them and not eat them “raw” lol.

 

[DuckGirl77]

If they were dirty, sitting in the straw for a week could have allowed bacteria to enter the shell. Even though you would cook the egg, if bacteria entered the shell it could have already caused the egg to go bad. Immediate refrigeration is not necessary, but I would not use if the bedding or shells were dirty. However, clean eggs are protected by the bloom and would not go bad within a week, so use your judgment
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/cleaning-and-storing-fresh-eggs.66816/The blue eggs are beautiful btw!

 

[Csparling]

If they were dirty, sitting in the straw for a week could have allowed bacteria to enter the shell. Even though you would cook the egg, if bacteria entered the shell it could have already caused the egg to go bad. Immediate refrigeration is not necessary, but I would not use if the bedding or shells were dirty. However, clean eggs are protected by the bloom and would not go bad within a week, so use your judgment
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/cleaning-and-storing-fresh-eggs.66816/The blue eggs are beautiful btw!

Thanks! I am not sure who laid the blue ones.

 

[TomCahalan]

Yeah, they are fine to eat, if those are your high temperatures. Refrigerators are usually around 40 degrees and can hold eggs almost indefinitely. Your eggs are unwashed so that gives them additional protection. A few days above 40 degrees won't make a difference.

 

[Ratchnick]

You can float test to see if they are still good.

 

[Csparling]

You can float test to see if they are still good.

I did do that as well. They all sank.

 

[DukesDucks]

Hope I don't sound stupid but new to this. What is a float test? My small Muscovy flock has just started laying again after their first winter. Night temperatures here, Eastern Ontario, are just above freezing. I am finding 4 eggs each morning. I was told not to wash nor refrigerate them. Is that right? How long are they good for?

 

[Csparling]

Hope I don't sound stupid but new to this. What is a float test? My small Muscovy flock has just started laying again after their first winter. Night temperatures here, Eastern Ontario, are just above freezing. I am finding 4 eggs each morning. I was told not to wash nor refrigerate them. Is that right? How long are they good for?

If you put them in a pan of water and they float to the top, they are old and no good. If they sink, they are still good.

 

[Isaac 0]

Float test will only be able to tell you if the eggs are way past gone, I've had rotten eggs sink. Just set them in the fridge, when you need one crack into a bowl first and smell the egg, if the yolk immediately breaks apart that might indicate its bad as well.